Avalanche Training

[snoqueen]

Good Discussion.... definately less response than I thought.... What do folks think of the training they are getting??
I do the Yamy Dealer Avy Seminars and have done short free talks for the last 7 years with Zacs.... THESE are NOT COURSES! They are only an orientation on how to find the info that is out there and maybe a BRIEF discussion on what it means...
THE BASIC COURSE is an AST 1... and if you look at the big picutre .... an AST 1 is just a start! There is a NEW COURSE this year called COMPANION RESCUE. It is for AST 1 graduates.... a good thing to look at taking every year!!
Check out www.trigger-point.ca
THANKS GUYS!
Amber

I really like the sounds of the companion rescue course! I think that is a course one should take EVERY year to keep skills honed and fresh. I took my AST 1 with Zac's. I have to say that I learned a ton of information.....since we had such a small class it was even better for us. The field session was awesome, lots of beacons to test out, and lots of different rescue scenarios. Yes, I agree amber, that I thought there would be more discussion here. I sincerely hope that sledders are getting the message and are taking the AST 1. There is so much to learn at this course and it is an eye-opener for sure. You will never look at the mountains the same way again! Trust me!

 

[-lenny-]

I was the last person in my riding group to get certified, just completed my AST 1 with Trigger Point in Revy this weekend. It was a great course. I can't say enough good things about it. It really opened my eyes. I am switching some of my current gear out, adding a couple things and applying the knowledge i gained in this course. Next season going to do the AST 2, and challenge the rest of my group to complete it with me.

 

[HMI]

I took The AST level 1 (classroom only) a couple weeks ago in Red Deer and would like to take the field portion of the course I just need to make the time. Zacs Tracks put the course on and did a very good job of it.

 

[Klingon Warrior]

AST 1, 4 times over the last 12 or so years to keep it fresh in my mind, Back Country Workshop Dec 7th in Calgary, wish everyone had the training, there may be a lot less incidents out there,
even learned some skills or awareness I use in everyday life, in my truck or motorcycle on the roads,, invaluable training at a very low cost, get involved and trained, could save your life,,

 

[Kavaleen]

Remember that to be AST1 Certified you need to complete both the classroom theory AND the field course!!!!!!!

 

[eclipse1966]

Just completed my AST1 certification by attending the field portion this past Sat. great job by Trigger Point!!!

 

[Dr. D]

Have almost 40 years of climbing, skiing, and backcountry experience that have taught me well as a student of my environment. I've attended far too many funerals and mourned the loss of so many friends and mentors over the years. These have served as the motivation for self preservation and provided an acute awareness of the objective hazards we always face when we venture out into the mountain environment we love so much. These courses are a great way to begin to gain that awareness and adjust you mindset when you attempt to exist in an unforgiving environment. Be clear, the mountains are no respector of your certifications, your pedigree, or acomplishments in the past. I've had 2 friends over the years seriously injured while on courses with the god,s of avalanche but were saved by the radio access the leaders had that brought rapid evac to medical aid. The reports, forecasts and courses give us so many more tools to work with but it still comes down to the decisions we make. At the end of the day, the objectives we set for ourselves on our adventures should always have coming home to tell our loved ones how much fun we had and planning for the next adventure at the top of the list.

 

[snopro]

I took a course in the Crowsnest Pass about 15 years ago. It was taught by George Field from Kananaskis Country. It was a day of classroom and a day in the field. I learned enough to stay out of trouble and learn to recognize hazards. I hope to take some more classes with my riding buddies but they seem to be more interested in riding than learning what they need to know to be safe in the backcountry.

 

[Ride Whistler]

I was buried and nearly killed 14 years ago in CO and I took my first course after that. Since then I have logged 100-150 days in the backcountry and have been involved with a few avalanche search and recoveries (all successful luckily). I have my 80 hour wilderness first aid/cpr and I have my level 1 ops (which requires AST1, 2) and I am going to be teaching AST classes this winter. I am working on a custom course that will be one evening session followed by one day in the field to accomodate those that can't commit to a full two day course. Please get trained and practice using your equipment often. Make sure everyone in your group has a tranceiver, shovel and probe and know how to use them. Check to see that everyone has a tranceiver on them, turned on and it is working before you leave the parking lot. Ride safe and have fun! Chris

 

[Kavaleen]

I took a course in the Crowsnest Pass about 15 years ago. It was taught by George Field from Kananaskis Country. It was a day of classroom and a day in the field. I learned enough to stay out of trouble and learn to recognize hazards. I hope to take some more classes with my riding buddies but they seem to be more interested in riding than learning what they need to know to be safe in the backcountry.

Then why are you still riding with them? Just asking.........

 

[Thunder101]

Took the oline class .Have not been to the mountains yet but will be this year. I looked on Zaks site but no dates coming up,unless I get to GP buy Friday. Other places to look ? thx

 

[Mayfly]

Best bet is to call Lori and she will be able to help you out. They are always up for a classroom if enough people are interested. Just took the classroom AST 1 course in Edmonton and will be going to Valemount in Feb for the field portion. Lori is an awesome instructor, always willing to help even after class as she did with the few of us that had Tracker beacons. She stayed after to show us multiple rescue scenarios.
I took my AST 1 in 2007 and waited alittle too long for the refresher, but took my 17 year old son along.

 

[Kavaleen]

Took the oline class .Have not been to the mountains yet but will be this year. I looked on Zaks site but no dates coming up,unless I get to GP buy Friday. Other places to look ? thx

Lori has a class and field session in Valemount at the end of Feb and a class and field in Fernie at the end of March. Get er done...... The last time she was in Fernie there were a bunch from Yorkton that made it down and they had a ball and learned a lot.

 

[Thunder101]

Thx. I will call Lori from Zaks.

 

[toomuchsledformyowngood]

is there any ast 1 classes being given near edmonton or whereever, i dont mind driving, being given right away?

 

[snowseeker29]

I have no training, dont live near mountains but would take if i ever make it out there, how much is it?

 

[Kavaleen]

Lori charges $175.00 for the classroom and $175.00 for the field portion. The AST1 is a full 16 hour course keep an eye on her website or send her an e-mail the last time I talked to her she said that she had a request from a group in ON for the full course and some riding time with them. Sounds interesting.

 

[Kavaleen]

Valemount Jan 24-25-26 check the Zacs website.

 

[BeachSled]

Valemount Jan 24-25-26 check the Zacs website.

Should be FEB 24-26, still lots of room in my class from what I hear when I talked to Lori. I have signed up with her before but not for avy classes. I have no doubt this will be a great class. Lori makes her classes fun, and no matter what you ask she always answers your questions. Can't wait, heading up Friday durning the day. See you all there.

 

[Kavaleen]

Should be FEB 24-26.

LOL Your right it is Feb.